The Secret World of Luxury: What She Learned Leading Hermès, Godiva, and Burberry | Ep 242 with Virginie Costa

Virginie Costa has quietly shaped some of the most iconic global brands from the inside out. In this powerful conversation, she reveals the hidden mechanics of luxury leadership, how to earn your seat at the table, and why the future of finance is transformational, AI-powered, and human-first. Key Discussion Points: What makes the Birkin bag the holy grail of luxury The biggest myth about retail’s death—and how luxury stores still thrive From France to the C-suite: how Virginie built her career at Hermès, Godiva, and more The real traits that define successful CEOs (it’s not what you think) What aspiring executives must do now to rise faster Why CFOs are the new storytellers in a data-driven world How to lead business transformation—and still keep empathy at the core What AI means for the future of finance (hint: it’s not job loss, it’s reinvention) Takeaways: Learn the business before leading it—always start with a listening tour Success today requires purpose, people, and the courage to transform The CFO of the future is more than a number-cruncher—they’re a change agent Great leaders build trust, drive culture, and never stop being curious Closing Thoughts:From luxury handbags to billion-dollar balance sheets, Virginie Costa has mastered transformation at every level. Her insights will change the way you think about leadership, finance, and the future of work.

Marc O. Stockli shares the untold truths behind boardrooms, exits, and ego. With over 200 board meetings under his belt and an eight-figure acquisition behind him, Marc breaks down why most founders misunderstand the role of a board—and how to turn it into your unfair advantage. Key Discussion Points: Why boardrooms are broken—and how to fix them The day 9/11 shaped his lifelong obsession with boards What every founder gets wrong about advisors and governance How to recruit high-level board members even if “you’re a nobody” When to reject VC money (and why most founders give up control too early) The true cost of a bad board—and the hidden benefit of starting early Behind the scenes of a failed exit… and the Ponzi scheme that almost derailed everything What founders must do today to prepare for a successful exit tomorrow Takeaways: A board's job isn’t control—it’s “support and challenge” Information asymmetry kills board effectiveness—solve it with proximity and culture Founders with integrity, humility, and curiosity attract the best board talent If you're not ready to spar, you're not ready for a board Closing Thoughts:This episode is a masterclass in long-game thinking. Whether you’re pre-seed or post-exit, Marc’s wisdom reframes the way you see leadership, advisors, and your own ego. Bookmark it. Study it. Revisit it before your next big decision.

Arthur Chang, a veteran tech executive and CEO of PanTerra Networks, joins us to talk about the evolution of business communications, why the future is all-in-one, and how AI—done right—frees humans to be more creative. He also shares the leadership values that helped him scale PanTerra into a cutting-edge AI-driven platform. Key Discussion Points: Building PanTerra around long-term vision, not trends Why Streams.AI is built to do it all (and why that matters) Using AI to assist, not replace, human creativity Balancing founder life without burning out How to stand out in a world of 5,000 competitors The "refine over time" mindset behind great decisions Takeaways: Passion is fuel—but balance keeps you in the game Don’t wait for perfect decisions; make good ones and improve AI won’t take your job, but it might take your repetitive tasks Founders should stop chasing trends—and breathe Closing Thoughts:Arthur Chang proves that visionary leadership is about patience, passion, and evolving with purpose. His story reminds us that the best businesses solve old problems better—by listening more than they talk.

Ken and Connor Mahoney, the father-son team behind MahoneyGPS, to unpack three decades of experience navigating Wall Street. They talk market cycles, the AI boom, crypto hype, IPOs, and why compound interest might still be the greatest secret weapon in investing. Key Discussion Points: How Ken built a 36-year Wall Street career and stayed relevant through market upheavals Why AI is still in the early innings—and where institutional money is flowing now The psychology of crypto and why Gen Z sees it as more than an asset class Father vs. son: generational differences in investing mindset and portfolio strategy Why dividend stocks may no longer be the answer for retirees The future of the dollar, global currencies, and where to stretch your money Their daily newsletter and media presence across CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fox Takeaways: Great companies don’t just survive—they reinvest, grow, and reward shareholders Compound interest is still the most powerful (and underused) investment tool Technology is the new infrastructure—and the market rewards those who keep up Crypto remains a high-risk, high-reward trading vehicle—not yet a true currency The U.S. dollar still reigns, despite temporary global shifts Closing Thoughts:Ken and Connor Mahoney are living proof that timeless market wisdom and forward-thinking strategy can coexist. Whether it’s riding the AI wave or challenging traditional retirement investing, they’re rewriting the rules while staying grounded in discipline and data.

Charles Gaudet shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship—from selling crayon drawings at age 4 to building and losing businesses, surviving financial ruin, and finally scaling Predictable Profits into a go-to resource for high-growth founders. He breaks down the mindset that helped him thrive in “bad” economies, why personal branding matters more than ever, and what separates strategic entrepreneurs from the rest. Key Discussion Points: Why downturns are actually fertile ground for rapid growth The “I see you everywhere” strategy for demand creation Building both a company and founder brand for exponential visibility From land development to algorithmic trading: his surprising path to success Mental clarity, fitness, and the birth of Founders Fuel The one moment he almost gave up—and the breakthrough that followed Takeaways: A bad economy punishes average thinking—and rewards strategy Brand visibility isn’t vanity; it’s leverage Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart, but those who persist win Your energy and mental sharpness are your most valuable assets Closing Thoughts:Charles reminds us that every setback can be a setup—if you have the grit to keep going. His story is a masterclass in resilience, strategic marketing, and building a brand that customers trust and remember.

Dr. Charles Ruotolo is more than a surgeon—he’s a systems thinker reshaping how we experience healthcare. In this episode, he shares how he built Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine into one of the most respected orthopedic practices in the New York metro area, while leading innovation in urgent care access, AI integration, and patient-centered longevity services. Key Discussion Points: Why most injuries after 40 stem from one overlooked mistake The mindset, repetition, and humility behind surgical mastery Building Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine like a five-star hotel The strategic rollout of Total Ortho Express urgent care locations How AI and virtual surgery are transforming the operating room and front desk Creating Total Wellness: a proactive center focused on aging and vitality Lessons on scaling a physician-first, patient-obsessed practice Takeaways: Repetition and outcome-tracking are what separate good surgeons from great ones A thriving practice puts physician well-being and patient experience at the center The best business moves in healthcare are often the most human ones Technology should empower—not replace—the doctor-patient relationship Closing Thoughts:Dr. Ruotolo isn’t just treating injuries—he’s building a new healthcare model from the ground up. One rooted in empathy, speed, innovation, and trust. In a world of waitlists and red tape, his work is a blueprint for how medicine can—and should—evolve.

Justin Hai breaks down the real cost of burnout, sleep deprivation, and chronic stress—and how one overlooked hormone, cortisol, might be sabotaging your energy, motivation, and even relationships. As the co-founder of two breakthrough health brands, Justin shares the science behind stress, why sleep is the foundation of everything, and how Rebalance Health is helping thousands reset their biology. Key Discussion Points: Why cortisol is the “master hormone” nobody’s talking about The hidden connection between stress, low libido, brain fog, and poor sleep How tech addiction is warping our circadian rhythms and emotional resilience The neuroscience behind Rebalance’s lozenges—and why most supplements fail Sleep hygiene secrets from someone who wakes up at 4:30 AM Why Gen Z is struggling with intimacy and identity in the age of constant dopamine hits How hormone imbalance mimics burnout, depression, and relationship disconnection Takeaways: Chronic stress isn’t just mental—it’s chemical Sleep is where your hormones are made; protect it like your life depends on it Physical touch and simple routines can radically lower stress Most supplements don’t absorb—Rebalance Health is designed to fix that Success means nothing if your biology is working against you Closing Thoughts:Justin Hai’s journey is a wake-up call to founders and high performers stuck in survival mode. Through Rebalance Health, he’s offering more than supplements—he’s offering a blueprint to reclaim your biology, your energy, and your life.

Lesley Ray, a classically trained violinist turned visionary designer, who’s blending neuroscience, wellness, and AI to create responsive, emotionally intelligent homes through her company BrainHome. From scent-triggered slumber routines to lighting that aligns with your brainwaves, Lesley is redefining what interior design can do—and who it’s meant to serve. Key Discussion Points: Why traditional design ignores most of our senses—and how that impacts our well-being How AI and neuroscience are reshaping architecture and interiors The science behind scent, light, sound, and sleep quality How a childhood of musical performance helped Lesley understand human emotion BrainHome’s bedroom installations that adapt to each user’s stress and sleep cycle The challenges of designing for multiple brains in shared spaces Future possibilities: from personalized hotels to environments that prevent disease Why every home could (and should) function like preventative medicine Takeaways: Smart homes can do more than automate—they can heal Environment is one of the most overlooked drivers of health Design should reflect how we live, think, and feel—not just how we want things to look The future of wellness is multisensory, personalized, and built into your walls Innovation happens when you mix disciplines—like music, science, and architecture Closing Thoughts:Lesley Ray is showing the world that a home can be more than a shelter—it can be a sanctuary wired for your emotional and physical well-being. With BrainHome, she’s turning visionary ideas into real-world change, proving that when you design with empathy, intelligence, and science, your home doesn’t just reflect who you are—it supports who you’re becoming.

LaToya Jordan, a former attorney, and Brianna Shelko, an award-winning musician and entrepreneur, to talk about founding Marble Wines—a brand born out of frustration, fueled by purpose, and designed to reflect the women who drink it. Key Discussion Points: Why the wine industry lacked female representation How they turned past careers in law and music into wine entrepreneurship The unexpected challenges of distribution and brand visibility Why Marble’s red blend is a “transitional wine” for first-time red drinkers The power of seeing your reflection—literally—on the bottle Building a community of women through events, wine tastings, and storytelling The unique bond between two co-founders from different generations and backgrounds Takeaways: Don’t wait to be included—build what’s missing The best businesses start from genuine relationships Authenticity resonates more than perfection in branding Representation isn’t just visual—it’s experiential Start small, connect deeply, and let the product speak Closing Thoughts:LaToya and Brianna are redefining what a wine brand can be—rooted in identity, friendship, and fearless ambition. Marble Wines is more than a label; it’s a mirror for the women it serves.

Scott Alldridge reveals the hidden threats facing modern businesses—and why most founders are wildly unprepared. With two decades leading cybersecurity innovation and a hit book series under his belt, Scott explains how hackers are evolving faster than ever, why even small businesses are prime targets, and the crucial steps leaders should take to protect their companies. Key Discussion Points: Why most companies fail in under 10 years—and how Scott stayed relevant for 20+ How cybersecurity threats have evolved since the dot-com era The real reason ransomware attacks are skyrocketing (and how they now have call centers) Why AI is both a powerful defense—and an even scarier threat The #1 myth small businesses believe about cybersecurity Behind the scenes of writing a bestselling IT book series How to apply “zero trust” models and build truly unhackable systems Takeaways: If you think you’re “too small” to get hacked—you’re the ideal target Real cybersecurity isn’t flashy; it’s layered, boring, and critical Assume you’ll be breached—then plan accordingly Selling a bestselling book isn't about becoming an author—it’s about creating an ecosystem Closing Thoughts:Scott's story is a powerful reminder that protecting your business starts before the attack—and that founders who ignore cybersecurity are playing with fire. Whether you're a startup or a global brand, the threats are real. The good news? So are the solutions.